Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps

The NROTC unit was established at the university in 1972 to develop qualified officers for the Navy and Marine Corps. Students who complete the program are tendered commissions in either the Naval Reserve or the Marine Corps Reserve and are immediately placed on active duty.

The program consists of a naval science course and a noncredit two-hour leadership laboratory each semester for four academic years. Shipboard engineering and Naval weapons systems, seapower and maritime symposia, terrestrial and celestial navigation, and management and leadership ethics are included in the curriculum. Training cruises, usually of four-to- six weeks duration with pay during the summer, also are part of the program.

Students may participate with or without a scholarship. Those who have scholarships have their tuition, books and fees paid by the Navy. They also receive $250 (FR & SO), $300 (JR) and $350 (SR) per month for a maximum of eight semesters during the academic years.

Non-scholarship college program students do not receive these awards. However, they do receive naval science textbooks and uniforms free and, in the junior ($300) and senior ($350) years received per month during the academic year (up-to-four semesters). Scholarships are usually awarded after national competition among high school seniors. However, college program students can be awarded scholarships for a period of fewer than four years and they actually have an advantage over high school students.

Scholarship students participate in three summer cruises; college program students become involved in only one cruise, between their junior and senior years. College program students in advanced standing are required to attend Naval Science Institute for six weeks prior to starting their junior year. There are also a two-year scholarship program and a two-year college program. Application to these programs should be made by spring semester of the sophomore year; if in a five-year curriculum, by spring semester of the junior year.

During the first year of the scholarship program, there is no obligation to serve on active duty. After students begin the sophomore year, they are obligated to serve on active duty after completing the program and receiving their baccalaureate degree. Eight-semester scholarship students incur an eight-year service obligation; four years must be active duty.

Navy option graduates of the NROTC program will be assigned to one of the following areas: nuclear propulsion (surface and subsurface), naval aviation, surface warfare, special warfare or nursing. Marine Corps option graduates receive a six-month professional course before further assignment.

Navy ROTC Course Requirements

In addition to the course curriculum assigned by each respective college, all students will complete the course requirements below to be eligible for a commission in the Navy or Marine Corps.